Hamas Releases Israeli-American Captive amid Ceasefire Talks

Edan Alexander was transferred to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, according to Israeli Channel 7.

He was the last known living American captive held in Gaza.

The Israeli military said on social media platform X that its forces in Gaza received Alexander from the ICRC.

He was escorted back to Israeli-occupied territory by elite unit soldiers.

Earlier, the ICRC had informed Israeli officials of the transfer, which took place north of Khan Younis.

Israel’s public broadcaster reported that US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and Israeli captive affairs coordinator Gal Hirsch were en route to Re’im military base by helicopter to receive Alexander.

Alexander’s release followed indirect talks between Hamas and the US, with mediation by Egypt and Qatar.

Israel was not involved in the deal.

An Israeli delegation is set to travel to Doha on Tuesday for further discussions on a ceasefire and prisoner exchange.

The decision came after a meeting between Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Witkoff, and US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, which included a phone call with US President Donald Trump.

Yedioth Ahronoth reported that Netanyahu and Witkoff agreed the delegation would stay in Doha through at least Thursday to coincide with Trump’s scheduled visit to the city.

Trump is visiting Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE from May 13 to 16—his first trip to the region since the start of his second term in January.

Israeli estimates indicate that 59 captives remain in Gaza, including 21 believed to be alive.

Hamas said in a statement that it is prepared to enter immediate negotiations for a lasting ceasefire in Gaza.

“Hamas is ready to immediately begin negotiations to reach a comprehensive agreement for a sustainable ceasefire, the withdrawal of the occupation army, the end of the siege, the exchange of prisoners, and the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip,” the group said.

The Qassam Brigades, Hamas’ armed wing, confirmed the release of Alexander followed talks with the Trump administration.

Families of Israeli captives urged Netanyahu on Monday to finalize a deal to bring all captives home.
“Edan's return must be the beginning of a comprehensive agreement that brings home all the captives,” they said in a statement.

“The anticipated release of Edan Alexander proves how determined leadership can achieve results,” the statement added, referring to Trump.

Trump on Sunday called the release “a step taken in good faith” by Hamas, suggesting it could mark one of the final steps needed to end the war.

The families called for a march from Captives Square in Tel Aviv to the US Embassy in Jerusalem to increase pressure on the Israeli government.

Netanyahu’s office stated that Israel made no additional promises regarding a ceasefire or the release of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for Alexander.

“Leadership must take this historic, worthy, and necessary action and end the nightmare that our nation has been enduring for 584 days. There is only one path forward – bring them home, then rebuild,” the families said.

More than 9,900 Palestinians remain in Israeli prisons.

Rights groups cite widespread reports of torture, starvation, and medical neglect, which have led to several deaths.

Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen told KAN on Monday that Trump’s proposal to relocate Gaza’s population “remains on the table.”

He described the “voluntary migration” plan as being actively pursued, with “advanced talks” underway with two countries—one of them identified as “Islamic.”

“I don’t see a serious reconstruction process on the horizon for the Gaza Strip in the coming years,” Cohen said.

“Promoting the option of voluntary migration has become a realistic necessity imposed by the current situation in Gaza,” he added.

On Sunday, Netanyahu admitted that the Israeli military is destroying homes in Gaza to prevent displaced Palestinians from returning and to push them toward emigration.

Israel’s genocidal campaign in Gaza, ongoing since October 2023, has killed nearly 52,900 Palestinians, mostly women and children.

The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants in November for Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Israel is also facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice.